Acupuncture works by regulating the Qi, Life Energy that flows through the body according to Qi theory of Chinese medicine. Qi helps animate the body and protect it from illness and disease. Qi circulates through specific pathways called Meridians. There are 14 main meridian pathways throughout the body. They are like rivers. The “rivers” transport the life-giving Qi to nourish and energize every cell, tissue, organ and whole body. There are as many as hundreds acupuncture points on the body, which are connected by the meridian network. Each point has a different effect on the Qi that passes through it. By stimulating the points, Qi is regulated.

When the Qi is flowing smoothly and harmoniously, health and well-being are promoted. However, when the Qi becomes blocked or imbalanced, dis-ease results. By stimulating specific acupuncture points in the meridians, acupuncture regulates the movement of the Qi and recovers the deeper, underlying imbalance, rather than just the symptoms. When the underlying imbalance is addressed, not only does the main symptoms often resolve, but also the mind and spirit tend to harmonize as well. In this course, natural healing occurs through the internal and inherent energy in our body instead of drugs and intervention. Therefore, acupuncture becomes one of the most important approaches in terms of wellness.

In the west, English word Acupuncture may mean both acupuncture and moxibustion.

2.What can acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture is recognized by the NIH (National Institute of Health) and WHO (World Health Organization) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. WHO lists over 40 conditions that acupuncture has been effective in treating:

Addiction – alcohol, drug

Fatigue

Reproductive problems

Anxiety

Fertility

Rhinitis

Arthritis

Fibromyalgia

Sciatica

Asthma

Gingivitis

Seasonal affective disorder

Bronchitis

Headache

Shoulder pain

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Hiccough

Sinusitis

Chronic fatigue

Indigestion

Sleep disturbance

Colitis

Irritable bowel syndrome

Smoking cessation

Common cold

Lower back pain

Sore throat

Constipation

Menopause

Stress

Dental pain

Menstrual irregularities

Tennis elbow

Depression

Migraine

Tonsillitis

Diarrhea

Morning sickness

Tooth pain

Digestive trouble

Nausea

Trigeminal neuralgia

Dizziness

Osteoarthritis

Urinary tract infection

Dysentery

Pain

Vomiting

Emotional problems

PMS

Wrist pain

Eye problems

Pneumonia

Facial palsy/tics

Fatigue

In addition to treating symptoms and diseases, Acupuncture also can increase person's energy and vitality, help tend to get sick less often, obtain deeper and more harmonious relationship with others, have better understanding of oneself and nature, and receive a richer quality of life.

3.Is the needling safe?

Acupuncture is the process of inserting the needles into specific locations (called acupuncture points) on the skin. The needles are hair-thin, pre-sterilized and disposable and made of quality stainless steel. Most patients who are new to Acupuncture or are scared of needles, actually find that they barely feel the needles. There is little danger of infections from the needles. All Acupuncturists have received training of “Clean Needle Technique – Guidelines and Standards for the Clean and Safe Clinical Practice of Acupuncture” (National Acupuncture Foundation).

As National Institute of Health (NIH) Consensus Conference (1997) concludes: " One of advantages of Acupuncture is that the incidence of adverse effect is substantially lower than many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for the same conditions." So Acupuncture is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no side effects except feeling of relaxation and well-being.

4.What will you feel during needling?

Most insertions are just below the skin and sensation felt vary from person to person. When the needles are inserted, you may experience a vague numbness, heaviness, tingling or ache. Sometimes, people experience a sensation of energy spreading and moving around the needle or to other area. This is called “Qi sensation”. All these reactions are good signal that the treatment is working. After treatment, you may feel energized or may experience a deep sense of relaxation and well-being.

5.What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion is a treatment that uses an herb called mugwort. It may be burned on the handle of the needle, above the skin, on the salt or on a slice of ginger. This is used to warm acupuncture points and meridians in order to acquire natural healing.

6.What is Cupping?

Cupping is a therapy designed to stimulate the flow of blood and Qi within the superficial muscle layers. It is commonly used for muscle, tension, neck pain and the common cold. In this therapy, acupuncturist will place small glass or plastic “cups” over specific areas on the body. A vacuum is created under the cup using heat or suction. They may be moved over an affected area or left in place. You may leave office with some round marks on the treatment area. There is no need for alarm. The slight redness will quickly dissipate.

7.What is Gua Sha?

Gua Sha is a technique used to release muscle tension, tightness and constriction. A specialized “spoon” is used to gently scrap or rub the skin over a problem area. Gua Sha feels a bit like deep massage. This too may leave some slight redness that will quickly dissipate.

8.What is Tui Na?

Tui Na is kind of “push grasp”. It is a massage technique that moves Qi in various parts of the body. It is used to relieve muscle pain, tension, and inflammation and to heal injuries.

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